This Date in Wells Fargo History

May 24, 1895.
An era ended today when Wells, Fargo & Co. discontinued its Letter
Express. Through the 1860s, Californians patronized it extensively
when lack of funds and poor communication with Washington hampered the
U.S. Postal service. From carrying 75 percent of the mail within
California, Wells Fargo's share gradually declined. Railroads speeded
service for both the Post Office and Wells Fargo. At last the time
came when Wells Fargo found letter delivery no longer profitable and a
Gold Rush institution came to an end.